Wathada's life began March 30, 1936, in Judsonia, Arkansas. As a young child her family moved to Michigan, making Benton Harbor their home. She finished school in Watervliet. Wathada continued her education at Lake Michigan College becoming a beautician and ran her own shop. Wathada and her first husband Richard moved to California and there she was the Executive Director for California State Hospital for Psychiatric patients until retirement. Wathada was a member of the local Daughter's of the American Revolution Chapter. She enjoyed knitting, cooking, reading, listening to music and was a talented painter. She also liked to travel and shopping at Walmart.

Wathada leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory including: her husband Carl Neuendorf; three children Dianne (Alan) Kessler, Richard (Polly) Thomas Jr, and John (Lorri) Thomas; four step-children Bill (Cathy) Neuendorf, Bob (Kim) Neuendorf, Cindy (Tom) Wooten, and Mary Henderson; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; a brother Bob Burford; a sister-in-law Becky Burford; and several nieces and nephews.

Wathada died Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Woodland Terrace Nursing Home in St. Joseph. She is preceded in death by her first husband Richard Thomas, two brothers Lester Morris Burford Jr, and Ron Burford, and her parents Lester and Cleffie Burford.

Funeral services will be celebrated Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet with visitation starting at 2:00 PM. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Wathada's family.